This Puff Pastry Tart with Zucchini and Cheese is an easy-to-make, savory dish that combines creamy cheese, fresh zucchini, and crispy puff pastry into a perfect, golden-brown tart. With a flavorful cheese mixture of cream cheese, feta, and shredded cheese, the tart is topped with thinly sliced zucchini for a satisfying bite. This tart is ideal for serving at brunch, as a snack, or as a side dish for a more substantial meal. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or simply enjoying it as a treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 kcal
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry Tart:
- 800 g (28 oz) puff pastry
- 200 g (7.1 oz) cream cheese
- 15 g (0.5 oz) garlic, minced
- 170 g (6 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- 150 g (5.3 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
- 15 g (0.5 oz) parsley, finely chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 50 g (1.8 oz) additional cheese for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to fit your baking sheet. Carefully transfer it to the prepared sheet, ensuring it’s even and smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, minced garlic, crumbled feta cheese, and shredded cheese.
- Mix well until all the cheeses are evenly incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Fold in the chopped parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about 2 cm (¾ inch) of space around the edges to form a border.
- Arrange the thinly sliced zucchini on top of the cheese mixture, slightly overlapping each slice for a neat, uniform appearance.
- Sprinkle the additional 50 g (1.8 oz) of shredded cheese over the zucchini for an extra cheesy finish.
Step 4: Bake the Tart
- Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to create a rustic border around the cheese and zucchini.
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the tart to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to ensure the filling sets slightly.
- Garnish with more fresh parsley if desired, and serve the tart warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Pair the tart with a fresh salad, such as arugula or mixed greens, to balance out the richness of the cheese.
- As a Brunch Dish: Serve the tart alongside eggs, smoked salmon, or other breakfast items for a delicious brunch spread.
- For a Snack: This tart makes a perfect snack for any time of day. Serve with a refreshing drink such as lemonade or iced tea.
- As a Side Dish: Serve as a savory side to roasted meats, especially chicken or lamb, for a complete meal.
- With Tomato Soup: The richness of the tart pairs wonderfully with a light, tangy tomato soup.
Cooking Tips
- Puff Pastry: Be sure to work quickly with the puff pastry while it’s cold to maintain its flakiness.
- Zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchini to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t release too much water into the tart.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses; goat cheese, ricotta, or even Gruyère can provide unique flavors.
- Storage: Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crispy pastry.
Nutritional Benefits
- Cheese: The cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein, which support bone health and muscle function.
- Zucchini: Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins C and A, and antioxidants, making it a great vegetable to include in your diet.
- Puff Pastry: While puff pastry is rich in carbohydrates, it adds a flaky texture that complements the creamy cheese and fresh zucchini.
Storage
- Leftovers: Store leftover tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until warm.
- Freezing: The tart can be frozen before baking. Assemble it and place it in the freezer on the baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer it to a freezer bag and bake directly from the freezer at the same temperature when ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: The tart is simple to make with minimal ingredients but results in a sophisticated dish that looks and tastes amazing.
- Perfect Flavor Combination: The mix of creamy cheese, savory zucchini, and crispy pastry creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
- Versatile: The tart can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, making it a great addition to any meal.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This tart is a fantastic vegetarian dish that even non-vegetarians will love.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works wonderfully for this recipe, making the preparation quicker and easier.
2. Can I add other vegetables to the tart?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for a more diverse flavor profile.
3. Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
4. Can I freeze this tart?
Yes, this tart can be frozen either before or after baking. To freeze it before baking, assemble it and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. To bake, place it directly from the freezer into the oven.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar, mozzarella, or feta with other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or Parmesan for a different flavor.
This Puff Pastry Tart with Zucchini and Cheese is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or as part of a brunch spread, it’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious!